Researchers at Purdue University have developed an integrated approach for the rapid detection of the folate receptor (FR) using in situ assembled optical diffraction gratings in combination with immunomagnetic capture. With this approach, a detection sensitivity of 700 fM (20 pg/ml) was achieved without any fluorescent or radiolabels or any secondary signal amplification. This approach can be applied to other targets and has the potential to be a broadly applicable, highly sensitive analysis technique.

Advantages:-Allows early detection of cancer-Sensitive to femtomolar concentrations-Simpler assay with lower detection limit compared to current standard